The best time of year to visit the biggest New York attractions

The vast galleries of New York’s most encyclopedic art museum are a wonderful place to spend the day anytime of year, but the air-conditioning is especially welcome during the sticky summer months. Once you’ve had your fill of antiquities, head upstairs to the summer-only rooftop for a drink and a look at this year’s newest art installation. The museum also hosts its star-studded Met Gala each year in early May, though most of us would never be able to score an invite. Still, the Costume Institute usually puts on an exhibit to accompany the gala. Us plebeians can still admire the couture during regular museum hours.

Hordes of green thumbs and amateur photographers flock to the New York Botanical Garden each spring for its admittedly breathtaking orchid show. But summer isn’t too shabby, either: Colorful posies bloom all over the lush grounds. Bring a picnic to enjoy in the Clay Family Picnic Pavilion, then spend an afternoon wandering the 250-acre lawns and gardens. The garden also hosts summer concerts and a solstice celebration that featured yoga, poetry readings and live music this year.

As Luna Park only opens from April through October each year, roller coaster enthusiasts have no choice but to go during the peak summer season. It also happens to be the most fun time to be on the boardwalk. After you ride the 90-year-old wooden Cyclone and heart-pumping Thunderbolt, grab an Italian ice and walk along the beach to cool down.

This 843-acre expanse in the middle of Manhattan is the place for leaf peeping in NYC. On the north end of the park, start at the Conservatory Garden to see red crabapples, bronze star magnolias and multicolored mums, then walk into the North Woods to find black cherry trees, scarlet oaks, golden American elms and red maples. Further south, your best bet is the 38-acre Ramble. Stroll the meandering paths lined with purple and red sweet gums, russet brown pin oaks, more red maples and end at the enormous tupelo tree in Tupelo Meadow.

Every visitor to NYC has to check the Brooklyn Bridge off their list at some point. During the peak summer travel season, though, crowds on the pedestrian level of the bridge can be overwhelming. Wait until early fall to walk or bike across this magnificent suspension bridge. It will be much less crowded, and the weather should still be pleasant enough for outdoor activities.

The Empire State Building really is an all weather attraction: Rain, snow or sunshine, the view from the 102nd floor is extraordinary. Fall has a slight edge over the other seasons, though, since the changing leaves add a few pops of color to the otherwise monochromatic skyline.

Giraffes and baboons and snow leopards, oh my! The Bronx Zoo recommends visitors buy tickets in the fall for two reasons: The crowds dwindle as kids go back to school and the crisp fall air makes the animals more active. And if it starts to rain, you can seek shelter inside the World of Reptiles or Aquatic Bird House.

Don’t let the tree at Rockefeller Center get all the attention: the Origami Holiday Tree at the American Museum of Natural History is pretty spectacular, too. Volunteers start folding hundreds of delicate models in April. The theme always on the museum’s exhibits—last year, it was Dinosaurs Among Us. To avoid the holiday crowds, make time to visit in late November or early January.

Looking for your Miracle on 34th Street moment in Macy’s at Christmastime? You better be prepared to wait until after New Year’s Day. Department stores keep their decorations up through the first week of January, so you can still get the holiday experience you're looking for without having to fight for space on a crowded sidewalk.

We’d be remiss to overlook the holiday extravaganza at Rockefeller Center. Yes, the amount of tourists in Midtown can be overwhelming, but you can avoid it. Either wait to get your skate on until after Christmas, or come early in the morning on a weekday. If you’re just here for the decorations and holiday lights, come late at night—think 11pm at the earliest—to catch a glimpse of the illuminated tree.

Pro tip: The nastier the winter weather, the easier it will be to get into a sold-out Broadway show, busy restaurant or popular attraction. (The exception being blizzards that shut down the city.) The view from One World Observatory doesn’t change much from season to season, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t wait until the dead of winter to visit the overlook. You might even have it to yourself.

Guided tours aren’t just for the most well-known New York attractions: They can also give you a behind-the-scenes look at what some call the “secret New York.”